Sunday, July 19, 2009

Judge Violated 1st Amendment

The Court of Appeals sided with a minister who said his free speech rights were violated after he was imprisoned for criticizing a judge using biblical verses.

Michael Steinberg, Michigan legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union, which represented Pinkney in his free speech claims: "The Court of Appeals opinion reaffirms the basic American value that citizens cannot be imprisoned for criticizing government officials or expressing their religious beliefs. To our knowledge, this case marks the first time in modern history that a preacher has been thrown in prison for predicting what God might do."

The minister had been sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison for writing a newspaper article that criticized the judge who presided over his trial. In his criticism, he talked about what God would do to the judge. Quoting from the Bible, Pinkney said, "the Lord shall smite thee."

Full Article and Source:
Michigan news briefs: Court rules judge violated 1st Amendment

More information:
Minister Wins Right to Threaten Judge with Biblical Curses

Appeals court hears case of Rev. Pinkney

Rev. Pinkney barred from his own hearing

Rev. Edward Pinkney article:
Corrupt judge denies new jury trial in Pinkney case

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Three to 10 years for writing an article criticizing the judge?
Now what does that tell you about the land of the free?

Anonymous said...

Good - I'm glad to see the appellate court come down on the right side this time.

Anonymous said...

Guess this judge found out that he can't always be the king in his little kingdom.

Anonymous said...

The judge should also be disciplined.

I hope the minister filed a complaint against him.